Grooming by Coat Type Chart
How often should you brush your dog? It depends on the coat. VCA advises daily brushing for long, silky and curly coats and often daily for double coats, which shed heavily in late spring and late fall; most other dogs do well with brushing several times a week. Baths range from about weekly for hairless dogs to every 6–8 weeks for curly, non-shedding coats. This one-page chart covers six coat types with brushing, tools and bathing, plus a checklist for every session and a fillable grooming log.
Fillable · bilingual EN/ES · vet-sourced, not a scanned template.
Got the free sheet? The full version → Dog Grooming Guide by Coat Type $8.97 What's inside
- Six coat types: how often to brush, which tools, and how often to bathe
- Why you shouldn’t shave a double coat
- An every-session checklist: nails, ears, shampoo, skin, mats
- A fillable grooming log and the ear signs that need a vet
How to use it
- Find your dog’s coat in the chart and write the routine in the log’s first line.
- Tick off brushing, bath, nails and ears each time so gaps are easy to see.
- Use the session checklist to look over skin, ears and feet while you groom.
- Bring the log to the vet or groomer if you notice ear trouble, lumps or bad mats.
New printables + calm, sourced dog-care tips
Join the Pack and the 25-printable bundle is your instant thank-you — then we email new printables and short, vet-sourced tips as they’re ready. A few times a month, no spam.
The 25-printable pack lands instantly — new printables and tips follow. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.Frequently asked questions
- Should I shave my double-coated dog in summer?
- No. The AKC explains that a double coat insulates and protects from sunburn, and shaving can raise heatstroke risk and grow back patchy. VCA advises never shaving to the skin unless your vet recommends it.
- How often should I bathe my dog?
- It varies by coat. VCA suggests about every 6–8 weeks for non-shedding coats; the AKC says many medium and large dogs do well with a bath weekly to every 4–6 weeks, hairless dogs weekly, and that over-bathing strips natural oils.
- Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
- VCA advises against human and baby shampoo. A hypoallergenic, unscented dog shampoo is the gentlest choice, and brushing out tangles before the bath keeps mats from tightening.
- When are ear problems a vet visit?
- VCA lists head shaking, scratching at the ears, red ears, odor, and black or yellow discharge as signs of an ear infection. Floppy, hairy ears are more prone, and recurring infections are worth a vet visit.
Free educational printable. Not veterinary advice, and not a substitute for your vet's official records or an emergency call. Full disclaimer → · Leer en español →